Quick-release handle and interchangeable cleaning system

Abstract

A quick-release handle for use with the working head of a cleaning tool is disclosed. The handle includes a quick-release coupling assembly positioned on one end of the handle and a button actuator positioned on the opposite end of the handle. The coupling assembly is configured to releaseably couple with a working head. The button actuator is operably connected to the coupling assembly such that coupling assembly may be disengaged from a working head through manipulation of the button actuator.

We claim: 
     
       1. A quick-release handle adapted for use with a working head having a socket mount configured to receive said quick-release handle, the handle comprising:
 a hollow elongated shaft comprising an outer peripheral surface, a proximal end proximate to the socket mount, a distal end distal to the socket mount, the distal end comprising a distal end surface; 
 a quick-release coupling assembly positioned on the proximal end of the shaft to releaseably couple the handle with the socket mount; 
 a button actuator on the distal end of the shaft, the button actuator operably connected to the quick-release coupling assembly, wherein the button actuator is configured to move along the axis of the shaft between a neutral configuration and a depressed configuration, and wherein the button actuator is biased to the neutral configuration; and 
 an ergonomic, freely-rotating knob positioned on the distal end of the shaft to rotate about the axis of the shaft, wherein the button actuator passes through the knob and further wherein the rotary movement of the knob and the axial movement of the button actuator are independent of each other, 
 wherein the handle is positioned in an engaged configuration when the button actuator is in the neutral configuration such that the coupling assembly is releaseably coupled with the socket mount, and 
 wherein the handle is positioned in a release configuration when the button actuator is in the depressed configuration such that the coupling assembly disengages from the coupled socket mount. 
 
     
     
       2. The handle of  claim 1 , further comprising a push rod positioned inside the hollow elongated shaft, the push rod extending between the button actuator and the quick release coupling assembly, and wherein the push rod comprises a first end proximate to the proximal end of the shaft and a second end proximate to the distal end of the shaft. 
     
     
       3. The handle of  claim 2 , wherein the quick-release coupling assembly further comprises:
 a stepped tip comprising an internal longitudinal channel; 
 at least one detent ball movable in and out of a port on the stepped tip; 
 a stop rod positioned at the first end of the push rod, the stop rod operably connected to the push rod, and wherein the stop rod is inserted into said internal longitudinal channel, 
 wherein the stop rod is configured to push the detent ball out of the port into engagement with the socket mount when the handle is in the engaged configuration, and 
 wherein the stop rod is configured to permit the detent ball to disengage from the socket mount when the handle is in the release configuration. 
 
     
     
       4. The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the button actuator is configured to be recessed within the distal end surface. 
     
     
       5. The handle of  claim 1 , further comprising a coupler shroud positioned at the proximal end of the shaft. 
     
     
       6. The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the knob is positioned on the terminus of the distal end of the shaft, wherein the button actuator is configured to be recessed within the distal end surface, and wherein the knob freely rotates about the recessed button actuator. 
     
     
       7. A mop assembly comprising:
 a mop head comprising a socket mount; and 
 the quick-release handle of  claim 1 . 
 
     
     
       8. The mop assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the socket mount further comprises a retention stop inside the socket mount, the retention stop configured to engage the quick-release coupling assembly. 
     
     
       9. The mop assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the retention stop comprises a ring inside the socket mount. 
     
     
       10. The mop assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the socket mount comprises threads. 
     
     
       11. The mop assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the mop head further comprises a head coupler that couples the mop head with the socket mount, the head coupler configured to permit the handle to move up and down and from side to side relative to the mop head when the handle is releaseably attached to the socket mount. 
     
     
       12. The mop assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the quick-release handle further comprises a coupler shroud positioned at the proximal end of the shaft, the coupler shroud configured to cooperatively engage the socket mount. 
     
     
       13. The mop assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the knob is positioned on the terminus of the distal end of the shaft and the button actuator is configured to be recessed within the distal end surface, and wherein the knob freely rotates about the recessed button actuator. 
     
     
       14. A cleaning system comprising:
 the quick-release handle of  claim 1 , further comprising a grip end and an attachment end opposite to the grip end; and 
 a plurality of working heads, each working head comprising a socket mount configured to cooperate with the quick release handle, 
 wherein the handle comprises a coupler shroud positioned on the attachment end of the handle. 
 
     
     
       15. The cleaning system of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of working heads comprises a plurality of mop heads of various widths. 
     
     
       16. The cleaning system of  claim 15 , further comprising a continuous web of cleaning substrate to be used with the plurality of mop heads, the continuous web comprising lines of weakness at regular intervals such that various widths of cleaning substrate are removable via the lines of weakness. 
     
     
       17. The cleaning system of  claim 16 , further comprising a container comprising a dispensing opening, wherein the container contains the continuous web of substrate and dispenses the substrate through the dispensing opening. 
     
     
       18. The cleaning system of  claim 17 , further comprising a separator associated with the container, the separator configured to assist separating the cleaning substrate from the continuous web of cleaning substrate. 
     
     
       19. The cleaning system of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of working heads comprises two or more types of working head selected from the group consisting of dry mop head, wet mop head, broom, paint roller, light bulb changer, and squeegee. 
     
     
       20. The cleaning system of  claim 14 , wherein each of the working heads further comprises a head coupler that couples the working heads with the socket mount, the head coupler configured to permit the handle to move up and down and from side to side relative to the working head.